Special magistrate reduces several code-enforcement liens and grants payment extension in Palm Bay

Special Magistrate James Beetle on Jan. 15, 2025, approved reductions to code-enforcement lien amounts for three Palm Bay properties and granted a 60-day payment extension for a separate case, ordering reduced sums and 30- or 60-day payment deadlines.

The actions affect property owners at 225 Naval Avenue NW, 1874 Holbrook (Brook Road/Holbrook address referenced in filings), and 825 Cricket Drive NE. City staff told the magistrate they did not object to reductions and identified administrative fees the city expected to collect. Beetle cited the statutory notice process — notices are sent to the mailing address on the property appraiser or tax collector website — when explaining earlier missed notices in several cases.

At the first hearing, Jorge Lopez, who identified himself as general sales manager at Gary Yeomansport Palm Bay, said a boat and trailer had been off 225 Naval Ave. NW for most of the period at issue and that he received no mailed notice after he moved. Valerie Pazines, code compliance division manager for the City of Palm Bay, told the magistrate the city sought 12%…